Piombino, Baratti and Populonia: trekking from the hills to the sea
Golden beaches, sheltered bays, green hills dotted with ancient villages ... the Etruscan Coast is an ideal destination for those who want to explore places of historical interest, spend time immersed in nature and devote time to their well-being. Here we share our ideas for a weekend of trekking in the Piombino area, amid amazing landscapes and evidence of the great Etruscan civilization.
The journey starts from the historical complex of the Torrione and Rivellino, an imposing medieval structure that once protected the city. Here, from July to September, it is possible to walk along the walls and visit the upper part of the monument, the tower and the guard post.
Next, proceed to the Castle, built by the Pisans in the 13ᵗʰ century and “retouched” by Leonardo da Vinci who, engaged in rearranging the city’s defenses, made some strategic changes. The interior houses over 600 specimens of medieval ceramics, dating back to the 13ᵗʰ century, which are part of the collection of the Museum of the Castle and Medieval Ceramics.
Your walk culminates in Piazza Bovio, a natural terrace overlooking the sea, where you can admire one of the most beautiful sunsets in Tuscany, facing the islands of the Archipelago and particularly Elba.
One fun fact: formerly called Piazzarella, the Piazza has a peninsular shape and follows the outline of the cliff.
The journey starts from the historical complex of the Torrione and Rivellino, an imposing medieval structure that once protected the city. Here, from July to September, it is possible to walk along the walls and visit the upper part of the monument, the tower and the guard post.
Next, proceed to the Castle, built by the Pisans in the 13ᵗʰ century and “retouched” by Leonardo da Vinci who, engaged in rearranging the city’s defenses, made some strategic changes. The interior houses over 600 specimens of medieval ceramics, dating back to the 13ᵗʰ century, which are part of the collection of the Museum of the Castle and Medieval Ceramics.
Your walk culminates in Piazza Bovio, a natural terrace overlooking the sea, where you can admire one of the most beautiful sunsets in Tuscany, facing the islands of the Archipelago and particularly Elba.
One fun fact: formerly called Piazzarella, the Piazza has a peninsular shape and follows the outline of the cliff.
The 2ⁿᵈ day offers an immersion into Etruscan history, with the promontory of Baratti and Populonia as protagonist. In the morning, you can visit the Necropolis of San Cerbone, an archaeological site overlooking the Gulf of Baratti, which houses ancient noble tombs, including the famous Tomba dei Carri. The Necropolis is located in the lower part of the Archeological Park of Baratti and Populonia, near the Visitor Center (Podere San Cerbone).
Having the Visitor Center as a reference and continuing along Via delle Cave, you will reach the Necropoli delle Grotte where you can see tombs carved in stone. To reach the area, it is necessary to walk a route that takes around 40 minutes. The partly uphill route initially traverses a meadow then continues in the next stretch within a forest.
In the afternoon, you can head to the Acropolis of Populonia via an all-outdoor route. The visit will allow you to learn about its temples, see mosaics and explore Roman remains. Younger visitors, aged 6 to 12, can enjoy a dedicated educational experience to discover Roman Populonia. Guided by a special Game Map, the kids can follow an itinerary in ten stages, each illustrated by panels. Acting as Cicerone (old-school guides) will be Lucius and Fulvia, two peers from the ancient world who share firsthand accounts of life in the past, covering religion in the temples, water supplies in the cistern, life in a luxurious domus, mosaic techniques, the transformations of the landscape over time, the relationship with the sea and the use of the baths.
You can end your day at the Baia di Baratti, where you can relax amid sea and nature, stroll along the beach or indulge in a quiet moment embraced by the Mediterranean landscape.
The 2ⁿᵈ day offers an immersion into Etruscan history, with the promontory of Baratti and Populonia as protagonist. In the morning, you can visit the Necropolis of San Cerbone, an archaeological site overlooking the Gulf of Baratti, which houses ancient noble tombs, including the famous Tomba dei Carri. The Necropolis is located in the lower part of the Archeological Park of Baratti and Populonia, near the Visitor Center (Podere San Cerbone).
Having the Visitor Center as a reference and continuing along Via delle Cave, you will reach the Necropoli delle Grotte where you can see tombs carved in stone. To reach the area, it is necessary to walk a route that takes around 40 minutes. The partly uphill route initially traverses a meadow then continues in the next stretch within a forest.
In the afternoon, you can head to the Acropolis of Populonia via an all-outdoor route. The visit will allow you to learn about its temples, see mosaics and explore Roman remains. Younger visitors, aged 6 to 12, can enjoy a dedicated educational experience to discover Roman Populonia. Guided by a special Game Map, the kids can follow an itinerary in ten stages, each illustrated by panels. Acting as Cicerone (old-school guides) will be Lucius and Fulvia, two peers from the ancient world who share firsthand accounts of life in the past, covering religion in the temples, water supplies in the cistern, life in a luxurious domus, mosaic techniques, the transformations of the landscape over time, the relationship with the sea and the use of the baths.
You can end your day at the Baia di Baratti, where you can relax amid sea and nature, stroll along the beach or indulge in a quiet moment embraced by the Mediterranean landscape.